This year’s Operation Christmas Child packing party held at the Twin Lakes Ranch Ministries saw a record-breaking 1,700 boxes packed, thanks to the help of around 25 to 30 volunteers who helped during the four-day campaign starting on Nov. 1.
In addition to this number, around 580 shoeboxes were collected at the Alliance Church to add to Moose Jaw’s total gift donation.
This brings the unofficial total for Moose Jaw’s donation to 2,280 gift boxes.
“It’s so important, because this is the only gift that some of these kids will ever get. They (may) only get one of these shoeboxes in their lifetime, because there are so many areas that Samaritan’s Purse (aims to help),” explained Mary Willis, a volunteer with Victory Church in Moose Jaw.
Because this could be the only gift a child may receive, each gift box is packed with as many items as possible and the gifts are carefully assessed to ensure all items are of the highest quality.
“We don’t pack air,” Willis said in an earlier statement.
The completed shoeboxes departed from the city and were sent to Regina on the morning of Nov. 20. From there, they will be flown to Calgary, where the Samaritan’s Purse organization will determine the best-fit next step for the gifts.
“So, they’ll go to Calgary and get inspected, make sure everything is safe for the kids, and they’re loaded into semis and off on their way in airplanes, boats, and anything else they can get to haul them,” said Willis.
In general, the gifts are packed with something to wear, something to love like a stuffie, something to play with, something used to learn, and then something for hygiene. Hygiene items include toothbrushes, soap, and similar practical items.
The individuals who pack the boxes have the liberty to include what they feel best represents these categories, but all shoeboxes follow the same guidelines.
“All of our boxes are really kind of bulging. If they’re not, we send them back to put something else in the box,” Willis said.
The record-setting achievement was only possible thanks to the charitable nature of Moose Jaw’s generous volunteers.
“There were different nationalities and different ages (at the packing party), like we had seniors and little gaffers come and pack,” Willis recalled. When compared to previous years, Willis said the attendance this year was “really good.”
Willis said the boxes were finished one day earlier this year, thanks to the additional help from volunteers. There were also a few minor issues that were overcome along the way.
“We ran out of supplies… I had to go home and make a few more boxes afterwards,” she said. To help fill the need, Diversified Services contributed 1,043 folded shoeboxes to the effort.
Gemmell’s Shoes also helped by donating a number of shoeboxes obtained from throughout the year.
“Gemmell’s Shoes saves their shoeboxes year-round, knowing that we’re going to come knocking on their door,” she said. These shoeboxes are then donated free of charge to help support Operation Christmas Child.
This number may be even higher, as several residents could have chosen to fill their box virtually, thanks to the organization’s online donation program at www.PackaBox.ca
Willis also wanted to extend her thanks to each of the volunteers who came out this year, and volunteers will be needed once again for the upcoming campaign in 2024.
“Sometimes we think it’s the best kept secret in Moose Jaw,” she said with a smile. “The more people that know about it (though), the more people will (be available to) pack a box, either online or in person.
“Every one of these kids that we reach out to, it makes such a difference (for them). (It’s) not only for that kid, but also for the community,” Willis said. “It’s a really good program.”
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